At least eleven people were stabbed Saturday evening inside a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, in what authorities described as a random and violent attack.
According to police, the assailant was a 42-year-old man who began stabbing shoppers and employees with a folding knife shortly after 5 p.m., prompting widespread panic inside the store.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea confirmed during a press conference that the attack began near the checkout area and resulted in serious injuries to multiple victims.
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“Based on the information that we have at this time, they were random acts,” Sheriff Shea said.
“Eleven [victims] is too many, but thank God it wasn’t more.”
Six victims were reported to be in critical condition, and five others sustained serious injuries.
All were transported to Munson Medical Center, the largest hospital in northern Michigan.
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In a statement released just before 7 p.m., Munson Healthcare said, “Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this event, and we are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement for their swift action. As a result, our Emergency Department is currently experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of patients.”
Witnesses inside the store described a chaotic scene as the suspect moved through the building, targeting shoppers at random.
Employee Tasha Nash told Channel 2 Now, “The whole store started screaming and running. There was a guy with a knife — he stabbed six people. I saw someone stabbed in the eye.”
Authorities said the suspect was ultimately subdued by two shoppers, including one who was armed, before law enforcement arrived to take him into custody.
Video footage captured moments after the confrontation showed the suspect surrounded by bystanders, including the armed citizen who intervened.
A good guy with a gun stopped the guy who stabbed 11 people at Walmart in Michigan today. Expect legacy media to give this ZERO coverage. pic.twitter.com/qGqqDVBqD3
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) July 27, 2025
Images published by Channel 2 Now show the suspect being placed into a Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office vehicle following the incident.
His identity has not yet been released, but law enforcement officials confirmed he appears to be a Michigan resident.
No motive has been established at this time.
A shopper who arrived at the store moments after the incident posted on X, stating, “We were getting ready to go into Walmart as this was happening. Of course, we weren’t allowed to go in. I have never seen so many police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles and crime scene vehicles! They sent the employees home and told all of the customers to leave. Wow.”
We were getting ready to go into Walmart as this was happening. Of course, we weren’t allowed to go in. I have never seen so many police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles and crime scene vehicles! They sent the employees home and told all the customers to leave. Wow
— Molly (@MiggymansMom) July 26, 2025
Walmart released a statement early Sunday morning. “Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we’re thankful for the swift action of first responders,” a Walmart spokesperson said.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also commented on the incident, posting on X, “I’m in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City. Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect.”
I’m in touch with law enforcement about the horrible news out of Traverse City. Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence. I am grateful to the first responders for their swift response to apprehend the suspect.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) July 26, 2025
The FBI confirmed it is assisting with the investigation. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated on social media that the agency is offering “any necessary support” to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office as the situation continues to develop.
FBI personnel are responding to provide any necessary support to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation of the attacks at the Walmart.
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) July 26, 2025
Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation and have asked the public to avoid the area.
The suspect remains in custody, and authorities are working to determine a motive.
The stabbing incident is one of the largest mass casualty knife attacks in recent memory in Michigan.
Sheriff Shea described it as “very uncommon” for the region.